Assumed-strain finite element technique for accurate modelling of plasticity problems

In this work a linear hexahedral element based on an assumed-strain finite element technique is presented for the solution of plasticity problems. The element stems from the NICE formulation and its extensions. Assumed gradient operators are derived via nodal integration from the kinematic-weighted residual; the degrees of freedom are only the displacements at the nodes. The adopted constitutive model is the classical associative von-Mises plasticity model with isotropic and kinematic hardening; in particular a double- step midpoint integration algorithm is adopted for the integration and solution of the relevant nonlinear evolution equations. Efficiency of the proposed method is assessed through simple benchmark problem and comparison with reference solutions

Modular assembly of a single phase inverter based on integrated functional block

This paper presents an original modular plug-in type assembly approach for a single phase-inverter. The main focus here is, indicatively, on the power range 1-20 kW, but the methodology can be transferred to higher power levels, too. At the core of the inverter lies a power-dense double-sided-cooled half-bridge power switch architecture with integrated cooler, which is interconnected to filter elements, gate-driver and control circuitry by means of compact flat connectors. The integration exercise targets, on the one hand, the optimization of the power switch performance and reliability, as well as the reduction of circuit parasitic elements; on the other, the production of a system compatible with maintenance and repairing, featuring minimized impact of single component failure on the system maintenance and repair cost and thus on its availability. Preliminary experimental tests demonstrate the nominal functionality of the inverter

Introduction (<Special Sessions>International Symposium in Shanghai : Multilateral Comparative Study of the Historical Archives : Historical Documents, and Family, Business and Society in East Asia)

This paper presents the work on an alternative integration scheme for a half-bridge switch using 70 μm thin Si IGBTs and diodes addressing higher strength, higher toughness and higher thermal conductivity. The switch is totally bond wireless, since bonded wires increase self-heating and introduce further thermomechanical degradation mechanisms. Moreover, this solution is equipped with double side liquid cooling, and plug-in edge connectors both on the driver and load sides, allowing high power density, good accessibility and modularity. Preliminary experimental results show good switching behavior

Henoch-Sch&#246;nlein Purpura in children: Not only kidney but also lung

Background: Henoch-Sch\uf6nlein Purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood and affects the small blood vessels. Pulmonary involvement is a rare complication of HSP and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is the most frequent clinical presentation. Little is known about the real incidence of lung involvement during HSP in the pediatric age and about its diagnosis, management and outcome. Methods: In order to discuss the main clinical findings and the diagnosis and management of lung involvement in children with HSP, we performed a review of the literature of the last 40 years. Results: We identified 23 pediatric cases of HSP with lung involvement. DAH was the most frequent clinical presentation of the disease. Although it can be identified by chest x-ray (CXR), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is the gold standard for diagnosis. Pulse methylprednisolone is the first-line of therapy in children with DAH. An immunosuppressive regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide or azathioprine plus corticosteroids is required when respiratory failure occurs. Four of the twenty-three patients died, while 18 children had a resolution of the pulmonary involvement. Conclusions: DAH is a life-threatening complication of HSP. Prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential in order to achieve the best outcome

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in immunocompetent and healthy children: a case report and a review of the literature

BackgroundListeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacteria generally transmitted to humans through ingestion of contaminated food. It typically infects high risk subjects, such as pregnant women, neonates, the elderly and immunocompromised patients. Listeria meningitis is rarely reported in previously healthy children with no immunological disorders. However, it can be aggressive in such subjects and is associated with a high mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis is essential so that adequate antibiotic treatment can be started and the best outcome achieved.Case presentationWe report the case of a previously healthy 16-month-old child with Listeria meningitis who was successfully treated with intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin without any sequelae.ConclusionsAlthough Listeria meningitis is rare in previously healthy immunocompetent children, it must be considered, especially in children who do not improve with first-line antibiotic treatment. A review of the literature published since 1996 has been performed, to provide a general overview on this topic

Robust snubberless soft-switching power converter using SiC power MOSFETs and bespoke thermal design

A number of harsh-environment high-reliability applications are undergoing substantial electrification. The converters operating in such systems need to be designed to meet both stringent performance and reliability requirements. Semiconductor devices are central elements of power converters and key enablers of performance and reliability. This paper focuses on a DC–DC converter for novel avionic applications and considers both new semiconductor technologies and the application of design techniques to ensure, at the same time, that robustness is maximized and stress levels minimized. In this respect close attention is paid to the thermal management and an approach for the heatsink design aided by finite element modelling is shown

Investigation of the prevalence of antibodies against neurotropic polyomaviruses BK, JC and SV40 in sera from patients affected by multiple sclerosis.

Viral agents seem to be linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). This association is based on evidence of (1) early exposure to viruses and MS onset; (2) increased prevalence of MS disease in specific geographic regions; (3) likelihood of developing MS being more prevalent in high-risk areas; (4) altered immune responses to different viruses. In this study, sera from patients affected by MS and controls, represented by sera from patients with other neurologic diseases, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory, and from healthy donors, were investigated for the presence of antibodies against neurotropic polyomaviruses BKV, JCV and SV40 in their sera. Our study has indicated that the prevalence of BKV antibodies in sera from MS patients is higher than that detected in normal individuals, while levels of antibodies against BKV and JCV are lower in MS patients compared to those of normal subjects

Mechanical modelling of high power lateral IGBT for LED driver applications

An assembly exercise was proposed to replace the vertical MOSFET by lateral IGBTs (LIGBT) for LED driver systems which can provide significant advantages in terms of size reduction (LIGBTs are ten times smaller than vertical MOSFETs) and lower component count. A 6 circle, 5V gate, 800 V LIGBT device with dimension of 818μm x 672μm with deposited solder balls that has a radius of around 75μm was selected in this assembly exercise. The driver system uses chip on board (COB) technique to create a compact driver system which can fit into a GU10 bulb housing. The challenging aspect of the LIGBT package in high voltage application is underfill dielectric breakdown and solder fatigue failure. In order to predict the extreme electric field values of the underfill, an electrostatic finite element analysis was undertaken on the LIGBT package structure for various underfill permittivity values. From the electro static finite element analysis, the maximum electric field in the underfill was estimated as 38 V/μm. Five commercial underfills were selected for investigating the trade-off in materials properties that mitigate underfill electrical breakdown and solder joint fatigue failure. These selected underfills have dielectric breakdown higher than the predicted value from electrostatic analysis. The thermo-mechanical finite element analysis were undertaken for solder bump reliability for all the underfill materials. The underfill which can enhance the solder reliability was chosen as prime candidate

Chip-on-board assembly of 800V Si LIGBTs for high performance ultra-compact LED drivers

This paper presents a novel chip on board assembly design for an integrated power switch, based on high power density 800V silicon lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (Si LIGBT) technology. LIGBTs offer much higher current densities (5-10X), significantly lower leakage currents, lower parasitic device capacitances and gate charge compared to conventional vertical MOSFETs commonly used in LED drivers. The higher voltage ratings offered (up to 1kV), the development of high voltage interconnection between parallel IGBTs, self-isolated nature and absence of termination region unlike in a vertical MOSFET makes these devices ideal for ultra-compact, low bill of materials (BOM) count LED drives. Chip on board LIGBTs also offer significant advantages over MOSFETs due to high temperatures seen on most of the LED lamp enclosures as the LIGBT's on-state losses increase only marginally with temperature. the design is based on a built-in reliability approach which focuses on a compact LED driver as a case study of a cost sensitive large volume production item

DTI and MR Volumetry of Hippocampus-PC/PCC Circuit: In Search of Early Micro- and Macrostructural Signs of Alzheimers's Disease

Hippocampal damage, by DTI or MR volumetry, and PET hypoperfusion of precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (PC/PCC) were proposed as biomarkers of conversion from preclinical (MCI) to clinical stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study evaluated structural damage, by DTI and MR volumetry, of hippocampi and tracts connecting hippocampus to PC/PCC (hipp-PC/PCC) in 10 AD, 10 MCI, and 18 healthy controls (CTRL). Normalized volumes, mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were obtained for grey matter (GM), white matter (WM), hippocampi, PC/PCC, and hipp-PC/PCC tracts. In hippocampi and hipp-PC/PCC tracts, decreased volumes and increased MD were found in AD versus CTRL (P < .001). The same results with lower significance (P < .05) were found in MCI versus CTRL. Verbal memory correlated (P < .05) in AD with left hippocampal and hipp-PC/PCC tract MD, and in MCI with FA of total WM. Both DTI and MR volumetry of hippocampi and hipp-PC/PCC tracts detect early signs of AD in MCI patients